Goodbye, Granny Pat

SANDUSKY — Patricia Marshall, affectionally called Granny Pat by hundreds of children, recently turned in her keys, signifying she stepped down from her do-it-all role with Sandusky Recreation's Outta School @ Mills program. Many people — community members, children past and present who value the after-school program, friends and family members and so many more — came to her retirement party on March 25 at the Sandusky Rec site, formerly home to Mills Elementary School. Years of community service Primarily serving as the front desk attendant, Marshall worked alongside Tondra Frisby, Sandusky's youth program supervisor, for nearly two decades serving and, just as importantly, safeguarding children. They provided many, including at-risk youth, a protected place to play, study and learn life skills. The pair first developed a recreational program for area youth while with the Nehemiah Center, now known as Nehemiah Partners of Sandusky, from 2009 to 2017. Upon getting hired by Sandusky's government in 2018 for her present-day role, Frisby's initial priority involved bringing aboard Marshall, who many call "everybody's granny." With the city's government, Marshall: • Started as an attendant at Foxborough Park and later relocated to Wightman-Wieber Park for various camps — during the spring, summer and winter — when children would have extended breaks from school • Working as a reception attendant for the recreation department at the Old City Hall • Moved with her recreation center colleagues to the former Mills Elementary School site in 2022 where, ever since then, Frisby said, "She owned the lobby" "No one was allowed to move past her without saying, 'Where you going?'" Frisby said while laughing. For Marshall, while conflicted, the time seemed right to stop working and enjoy retirement. "I enjoyed the years I have watched kids grow up, and I am going to miss them," said Marshall, who's lived in Sandusky most of her life, coming to Ohio from California in 1969. She also worked for Georgia Pacific. Being around children "was the highlight of my days," Marshall said. Celebrating a legend Marshall's party consisted of many going-away celebrations, including: • Photo opportunities with guests • A special spaghetti dinner prepared by Bruce Thompson, with The Commons of Providence, who's been a fixture in Sandusky Recreation's Midtown Supper Club program • A present from the kids of a handprint art piece; It reads "We love you, Miss Granny Pat. We have our hands to hold our memories." • A surprise appearance of the first generation of after-school kids Marshall worked with from 2009 "I secretly reached out to the first generation of after-school kiddos from Nehemiah and asked if they would come give her hugs and wishes, which they all said, 'Absolutely,'" Frisby said. "Those kiddos from 2009 are now young adults, and some are parents to kiddos who come to Outta School @ Mills. It was a beautiful, bittersweet moment that will last in our memories forever." Marshall thanked everyone for giving up their time to wish her well. "It made me feel so proud to see the original kids that are now ladies and gentlemen come say, 'So long' to me,'" Marshall said.